Happy 7th Birthday A!

My Little Buggy Bear,

Happy 7th Birthday!  

Your love for the outdoors and bugs has only increased this year.  I didn't think that was possible but it has.  We took you to the only Bug Zoo that we could find in the U.S. in Washington DC this passed year and you were in your absolute element.  There was a retired woman working there that had all kinds of bugs crawling on her and knew just about everything there was to know about bugs.  Daddy and I both thought that could be you one day.  You love exploring the world around you in ways I've never seen anyone do before.  You have a passion, love and empathy for insects that I believe is a very special gift from God just to you.  

You know that most people don't like bugs and while you try to invite others to join you in your bug adventures and discoveries, you don't change who you are just to fit in.  You don't have a desire to be like everyone around you and that is yet another gift from God.  You are confident in who He made you to be and daddy and I are so so so thankful for that!  And once people find out how much fun you are to be around they come back around to you.  You are just that fun! :)

You joined Girl Scouts this year and made some new friends.  You were able to get up on stage in front of everyone when you bridged from being a Daisy to a Brownie and talk about your favorite badge (that was of course about bugs and butterflies).  Daddy and I are so proud of how you've tried to get out of your comfort zone to try new things that you thought you couldn't do.  You are soaring like the butterflies you love to play with. 

While M is still your best of friends you have welcomed your brother home with such compassion and love. He hasn't always treated you the way we would've hope (he's still learning for sure!) you have extended him grace time and time and time again.  You have empathy for his transition into our family in a way that I don't think most seven year olds would.  I think once he gets acclimated the two of you will be great buddies but in the meantime you are showing him Christ through your patience and compassion my sweet girl.  

While I say this each Birthday letter it continues to be just as true...you and Daddy have a rocking relationship.  You still climb on him like a personal jungle gym and are crazy goofy partners in crime together while still opening up and talking about life struggles and the world around you.

One of my favorite parts about Spring and Summer is when you are outside by yourself and I come join you.  We walk around the backyard and you talk to me about whatever is on your mind.  You notice things in life I wouldn't have given a second thought to and make God's creation that much more beautiful to me.  

Along with your love for the outdoors you also have an imagination that takes the cake.  I don't know how you come up with the things that you do but it's super fun to watch you and your siblings enter into your imaginary worlds!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!  I love you!
Mommy

Questions I asked A (I asked her the same questions in her previous birthday letters):

What is your favorite thing to do at school?  Recess

What do you want to be when you grow-up? Someone that studies bugs

What is your favorite thing to do with daddy?  Frogging (catching frogs)

What is your favorite thing to do with mommy?  Play anything with you.

What is your favorite thing to do with M? Play dogs with her.

What is your favorite thing to do with U? Play with him.  The same thing as M. Dogs.

What is your favorite toy?  Hippy (M's blankie)

What is your favorite TV show?  Goldie and Bear

What is your favorite color?  Copper

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Sherbert

What is your favorite food?  Mac and Cheese

Where is your favorite place to go?  Virginia.  Bush Gardens.

What is your favorite Bible story?  Esau and Jacob.